Radio receiving system for vehicles



March 30, 1937. G. P. ADAIR RADIO RECEIVING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLES Filed April 27, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet l n INVENTOR. Sao/294V c?. lawf BY l AT'TORNEY.

lill' March 30, 1937. Q p. ADAIR 2,075,009

RADIO RECEIVING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLES Filed April 27, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 o JNVENTOR. `95 37 fwn/Lm c), 610m,

ATORNEY Patented Mar. 30, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE George P. Adair,

Takoma Park, Md.

Application April 27, 1934, Serial No. 722,767

6 Claims.

My invention relates broadly to radio apparatus installations for vehicles of the internal combustion engine type and more particularly to an improved method and arrangement of signaling system having means for guarding the signaling apparatus against interference from the internal combustion engine ignition system while avoiding reduction of engine efficiency when the signaling apparatus is not in operation.

The principal object of my invention is to provide a method of improving engine efiiciencyin radio apparatus equipped vehicles in which the internal combustion engine ignition circuit is equipped with oscillation prevention means known as Suppressors, resistors, choke coils, or reactance devices.

Another object of my invention is to provide a circuit arrangement for the ignition system of an internal combustion engine in radio apparatus equipped vehicles having means for guarding the radio apparatus against interference due to the operation of the ignition system while avoiding reduction in engine efficiency when the radio apparatus is not in operation.

Still another object of my invention is to provide an arrangement of ignition system for radio apparatus equipped motor vehicles in which oscillation suppressing devices are inserted in the distribution circuit of the ignition system when the signaling apparatus is in use and effectively removed from the circuit when the signaling apparatus is not in use.

A further object of my invention is to provide an electrically operative system functioning to shunt the oscillation Suppressors of an ignition system when the radio signaling apparatus on vthe vehicle is cut off from operation and operative to remove the shunts from the oscillation Suppressors when the signaling apparatus is restored to operation.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a construction of gear adapted to be mounted on the head of an internal engine for guidlng a multiplicity of control members in position for actuating shunt switches adjacent the oscillation Suppressors of the spark plugs and distributor head of an internal combustion engine, with means carried by said gear and coacting with the power control switch of the signaling apparatus carried by the vehicle to effect a shortcircuiting of the oscillation Suppressors when the signaling apparatus is not in operation, while removing the short circuit from the oscillation Suppressors when the signaling apparatus 55 is in operation.

(Cl. Z-14) Another object of my invention is to provide a mechanical arrangement operative in accordance with the on and off position of the power control switch of a signal receiving apparatus for effectively shunting or unshunting oscillation Suppressors in the ignition system distribution circuit for guarding the signaling apparatus against the effects of ignition noises when the signaling apparatus is placed in operation while eliminating the effects of the oscillation suppressors from the ignition distribution circuit when the signaling apparatus is not in operation.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a construction of device attachable 'to spark plugs or distributor head of an internal combustion engine for suppressing oscillations in the ignition distribution circuit with spring actuated means for normally rendering said devices ineffective and operative to render the devices effective for suppressing oscillations in the ignition distribution circuit depending upon the off and on position of the power control switch of the signaling apparatus.

A further object of my invention is to provide a mechanism readily attachable to the head of an internal combustion engine and adjustable to provide guides for insulated control cords operative to open or close contacts across suppressor elements interposed in the distribution circuit of the ignition system of an internal combustion engine.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a construction of mounting device attachable to the head of an internal combustion engine and carrying a plurality of pulley devices shift-- able to selected position in alignment with contact systems disposed adjacent oscillation suppressor elements adjacent the spark plugs of an internal combustion engine for guiding cords operative by movement of a two-position device in accordance with the on and off movement of a power control switch of a signaling apparatus carried by a motor vehicle to render the oscillation suppressing means effective when the switch is moved to on position and ineliective when the switch is moved to oif position.

Other and further objects of my invention reside in the method, circuit arrangement, and construction of oscillation suppression system for motor vehicles, as set forth more fully in the specication hereinafter following by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 schematically and diagrammatically illustrates the ignition system of a motor vehicle and shows the cooperative relation of the control switch of a signaling apparatus carried by a motor vehicle with the means for controlling the oscillation suppression means in the distribution circuit of the ignition system of the internal combustion engine on the vehicle, the radio apparatus power control switch being shown in oit position; Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view showing the position of the control mechanism when the radio apparatus power control switch is moved to on position; Fig. 3 is a fragmentary view showing a modified circuit arrangement for the control mechanism; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken through one of the supporting devices attachable to the spark plugs showing the mounting means for the oscillation Suppressors and illustrating the shunting switch of my invention' Fig. 5 is a iateral cross-sectional View taken on line 5 5 oi Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 4; ligl is a plan View partially broken away and shown in cross-section and elevation showing one arrangement of control gear which I may employ for controlling the position oi. the contactors in the ignition distribution circuit of the internal combustion engine; Fig. 8 is a side elevation or" the gear shown in rig. 7 partially broken away and shown in section for illustrating the arrangement of the adjusting means aligned with the contactors on the c 'cillation suppressors; Fig, 9 is a cross-sectional view on an enlarged scale taken through the gear shown in Fig. 8; Fig. l0 is an enlarged side elevational view showing one of the guide members employed for directing the control cord to the contact system adjacent 'the suppressor connected with the spark plug; Fig. il is a cross-sectional View taken through the gear of Figs. 7 and S and showing the position of the guide pulley which directs the control cord to the contact system on the oscillation suppressor at the distributor head o` the engine; Figs. 12 and 13 show one form of contact device which I may employ for shunting the oscillation suppressor` carried by the distributor head; and Fig. le illustrates a form of toggle switch which may be employed for controlling the power switch to the signaling apparatus while mechanically controlling the contact systems arranged to shunt the oscillation suppressors in the distribution circuit of the ignition system of the vehicle.

I have shown the system of my invention particularly adapted for automobiles but I desire that it be understood that the system orc my invention may be employed in aircraft and in any internal combustion engine installation in which oscillation suppression means are employed in the distribution circuit of the ignition system.

My invention meets a considerable demand in automobile radio receiver installations for avoiding the detrimental eiects of the oscillation suppressors in the distribution circuit of an ignition system. The interposition of resistors in the distribution circuit of an ignition system tends to reduce the size of the spari; discharge in the internal combustion engine cylinders thereby impairing the operation of the engine. Additional drain is also imposed on the storage battery. Where the ignition system may be in somewhat bad condition in used cars, the addition of a radio receiver to such car with accompanying oscillation Suppressors, tends to render the operation of the automobile more uncertain, particularly in starting.

My invention provides means for eliminating the oscillation Suppressors from the distribution circuit of the ignition system at all times except when the signaling apparatus is actually in use. Such signaling apparatus may normally not be cut into use until after the motor vehicle is in operation so that the rendering of the oscillation suppression means effective at that time does not tend to impair the operation of the engine. My invention enables maximum eniciency to be obtained the internal combustion engine while permitting adequate operation o the signaling apparatus on the motor vehicle.

Referring to the drawings in more detail, the signal receiving apparatus installed on the motor vehicle is represented generally as including electron tubes i, 2, 3, 5 and 6 which may be connected in any preferred manner with a. similar receiving circuit including an antenna system l and the chassis or" the vehicle representing the ground indicated at 3. Any approved circuit arrangement may be employed for the signal receiving apparatus. I have indicated the heating circuit for the cathodes of the several electron tubes by reference character il connected at one side to ground 9 and at the other side to contact l@ of the power control switch ii. The power control switch l l is movable to either of two positions with respect to contacts S and l2. In position on Contact lO, the power control switch l l provides a closed circuil from the storage battery system ifi through armature l 5 to the power supply circuits oi' the signal receiving apparatus. The plate circuits of the several electron tubes are energized through any approved form of plate supply system indicated generally at iii when power is supplied from t e :ce lll when the power control switch li is moved to contact Ill. The output of the plate supply system is indicated at l? connected to the several plate electro es of the tubes constituting the receiving circuit. The plate supply system may be of the type which includes a vibrator controlling the connection of the potential source to a transformer system which connects to a iilter circuit from which energy is supplied to the plate electrodes of the several tubes. I may employ a. dynamotor system or any other standard system, for supplying the plate circuits or I may provide a plate battery in which event, the plate circuit would not be opened when the receiving set is turned off and only the heating circuit for the cathodes would be deenergized. The energy for exciting the field winding of` the electrodynamic speaker is also obtained from the power source lli when switch Il is moved to contact ill by reason of the circuit connection shown which leads through the winding i3 constituting the speaker iielcl.

iti is also placed in operation upon movement of the power control switch to contact i connection is taken from the power supply circuit of the radio receiver, as represented at 2li to provide eX- citation for an electromagnetic control system under a selected condition when the power control switch l! is moved to Contact lil, as will be more fully explained hereinafter. The electromagnetic control system may assume many forms. The form of the device illustrated is schematic and is only one eX mple of many different structures which I may employ. As illustrated, the device comprises separate eleetromagnetic systems comprising pole pieces 2i and 2Q disposed on opposite sides of the movable armature 2d which is pivoted at 25. The armature has an extension arm 2G thereon which is normally maintained under ten ion by means oi spring 2l to provide a toggle effect by which the armature is maintained in the position to which it is shifted upon the iniv45 coil 50, as shown.

tial supply of power to a selected electromagnetic Winding. 'I'he position of the electromagnetic device for the 01T position of the power control switch Il has been illustrated in Fig. 1. The

Al5 reverse position of the electromagnetic device for the on position of the power control switch is illustrated in Fig. 2. Pole pieces 2| and 22 are provided with separate electromagnetic windings designated at 28 and 29. Adjacent ends of these windings are con- ,nected together and grounded as at 8,. The remote ends of the windings are connected through contact devices located adjacent the opposite ends of the movable armature of the electromagnetic device with the on contact l0 and 'the off contact I2 of the power control switch respectively. These Contact devices are placed in the path of the movable armature and may be directly controlled thereby. Contact device 3D is located adjacent the end portion 24a of armature 24. A spring 38a tends to normally separate contacts 30, but the action of this spring is overcome by abutment of end portion 24a of the armature 24 effecting a closing of the contacts 30 25 completing the circuit through lead 20 from the power source through winding 28 to ground 8 thereby passing energy from source |4 through winding 28. It will be observed that movable armature 24 is connected to the insulated pull 30 cable 31 which is guided over pulleys 38 to each of the contact devices 4|, 42, 43, 44, 45 and 46 which shunt the oscillation suppressors 3|, 32, 33, 34, and 36 connected in the distribution circuit of the ignition system between spark plugs v35 5|, 52, 53, 54, 55 and 56 and the contacts of the distributor head represented at 39. It will be understood that the pull cable 31 includes a multiplicity of individual cables which lead to the several contact devices over the several guide pulleys as shown. The distributor arm has been shown generally at 40 connected through driving member 41 with the operating cam 48 which controls the contact maker and breaker 49 connected to the primary circuit of the ignition induction There is a contact device 51 provided in shunt relation to the oscillation suppressor 58 in circuit with the distributor arm 40 and with the secondary of the ignition transformer 50, as illustrated, and this contact device 51 is controlled by one of the cables which connects with the group of cables 31 and is guided over the pulleys 38. As pointed out hereinbefore, Fig. l illustrates the position of, armature 24 for the off position of the power control switch so that the several contact devices 4|, 42, 43, 44,

45 and 48 ar-e all shown in shunt position effectively eliminating the oscillation suppressors 3|, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36 from the ignition distribution circuit. When the power control switch is moved to on position on contact l0, a circuit is completed from source |4 through switch arm contact I0, conductor 28, contacts 3|), winding 28, leading through ground 8, which results in the shift of armature 24 to an opposite position as a result of which, contacts 30 are open and contacts 59 are closed by the abutment of the end 2419 of armature 24 with one of the spring members carrying contacts 59. Contacts 59 are closed against the action of spring 59a thus preparing the toggle switch for the next successive shifting operation when power control switch is to be restored to off position on contact l2.

Figure 2 shows the effect of the shift of armature 24. Cable 31 is drawn over rollers 38 thus opening the contact systems which shunt the oscillation suppressors and effectively including the oscillation suppressors in the ignition distribution circuit so long as the signal receiving apparatus is functioning. It will be observed that the effects of sparking at contacts 30' and 59 are avoided by the inclusion of shunt paths around the contact systems. Condenser 60 and resistor 6| are connected in series and disposed in shunt with contacts 30. Condenser 62 and resistor 63 are connected in series and disposed in shunt with contacts 59. Condenser 64 is connected in shunt with the contact device 49.

The generator system for the motor vehicle is indicated generally at 65 which connects through automatic control relay 66 for controlling the charging of battery I4 through contact system 61. Suitable condenser 68 is connected across contact 61. The lead 59 extends to the light circuit and other power circuits on the motor vehicle. A suitable condenser ||0 is connected across the generator 65 to suppress commutatcr sparking with inherent interference with the operation of the receiving apparatus.

As illustrated in Fig. 3, I mayy control the power circuit by a four-position toggle switch 10 which may be moved to contact 1| to energize electromagnetic winding 28 for shifting armature 24 in a position to open the contact shunts across the oscillation suppressors. This serves to precondition the ignition system by cutting the oscillation suppression means into the ignition system preparatory to the turning on of the radio set. The cutting on of the radio set is accomplished by moving switch 10 to Contact 12 which cuts on the cathode circuit of the electron tubes, represented generally at 5, and also the plate circuit of the electron tubes as well as the field circuit of the electrodynamic speaker. With this arrangement, it is unnecessary for the electromagnetic control device to be continuously energized and, accordingly, a certain amount of drain is removed from the battery system. When it is desired to cut off the power circuit to the radio receiving set and restore the distribution circuit of the ignition system to a condition of maximum eiciency, toggle switch 10 is shifted to contact 13 thereby energizing winding 29 causing .a shift of armature and the shunting of the contacts across the oscillation suppressors. The toggle switch 10 may be at once moved to cif position 14 and yet the armature 24 will remain in its selected position without consumption of energy in the windings of the electromagnetic control device.

The structure of the shunting means for the oscillation suppressors may assume many forms and the forms of my invention illustrated, are for illustrative purposes. For example, in Fig. 4, I have shown spark plug 5| having the usual knurled nut terminal 15 adapted to'engage the bracket carrier 16 connected to one end of the oscillation suppressor 3|. I have shown the standard form of molded casing type of suppressor to which the contact system of my invention is applied, but it will be understood that other forms may be provided and the contact system molded as a part of the unit. A terminal bushing 11 projects from the opposite end of the suppressor 3| and is provided with an annular groove 18 adapted to receive the open lug end 19, shown in dotted lines, of the ignition distribution lead which is removed from the terkminal 15 ofthe spark plug. If the conductor vis of the type having an end resilient socket, it is engaged overthe bushing 11 on the .end of the suppressor, as shown in full lines, or if the closed end lug type of connector is used, it may be clamped under a screw-threaded bushing 11 in the same manner as previously held by terminal 15 on the spark plug.

A pair of upwardly extending members and 8| are mounted on the suppressor and serve as mechanical supports and electrical connections for the opposite terminals of the contact device shown at 32. The resistor 3| has terminal heads 16 and 11 which are extended through members 80 and 8| to form a continuation of the circuit from the opposite sides of the resistor in series with the ignition distribution circuit and completing the circuit to the spark plug through screw terminal 15. The member 8| may carry contact element B4- thereon aligned with a movable contact element 82, carried by rod member S6 which passes through aligned apertures 80a in member 30. Rod member 86 carries collar Sa against which coil spring 01 is continuously effective to force movable Contact 82 into electrical connection with xed contact 84. The rod member 85 is provide-d with an eyelet or hooked end 86h through which insulated pull cable 31 passes. The position of shoulder 85a on rod 80 is such that positive connection between movable contact 82 and xed contact 84 is assured at all times until pull cable 31 is operated to separate the contacts against the action of coil spring 01. A removable cover member Si! serves to protect the moving parts of the device from oil and dirt.

Figs. '7 and 8 show the schematic arrangement of the gear of my invention with respect to the head of an internal combustion engine which is represented schematically at 89. The spark plugs have been shown generally at 5|, 52, 53, 54, 55 and 56 each provided with a mounting device for the oscillation suppressor and contact system. The oscillation Suppressors are shown at 3|, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36. The contact systems are arranged beneath the Suppressors according to the structure shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6. The

. gear comprises the horizontally extending member 50 which is open at one side and provided with jaw members directed toward each other providing guide rails 90a and 90b between which the plate members 9| may be adjusted to selected positions. Each of the plate members 9| is provided with journals on which pulley wheels 38 are mounted and around which the pull cables 31 are guided. The electromagnetic control relay is mounted in a housing S2 which forms a continuation of the horizontally extending member 30. The electromagnetic control mechanism has been indicated generally in dotted lines which show the magnetic devices 2| and 22 adapted to control the movable armature 24 for effecting an opening or closing of the shunts around the oscillation Suppressors. The casing 92 which houses the electromagnetic control mechanism is suitably supported on the rear of the dash, as indicated generally in Figs. 7 and 8. Bracket members S4 may be provided for supporting the horizontally extending member 90 with respect to the head of the engine. When the pulley members 38 have been adjusted to selected positions aligned with the several contact devices adjacent the spark plugs, the metal forming the jaws 90a and 90b is pinched, as represented generally at 95 for locking the pulley members in selected positions. The distributor head is generally out of alignment with the sev- 75 eral spark plugs and for this purpose, I may provide an angularly disposed supporting member for the guide pulley 38, as represented more fully at 96 in Fig. l1 sothat the pull cable 31 is properly directed and guided to the oscillation suppressor which is employed in the distributor head.

Figs. 12 and 13, show one form of mounting for the oscillation suppressor in the distributor head in which the oscillation suppressor 53 is disposed in circuit with the conductor 91 forming part of the distribution circuit of the ignition system. The suppressor 58 may be either of the tubular type having aligned connecting means at opposite ends thereof or it may be of the elbow type having a connector adapted to engage the recess in the distributor head. Contacts 51 are normally closed to shunt the resistor 58 but may be opened by operation of pull cord 31 to operate contacts 51 by slightly displacing spring member 98. The distributor head indicated generally at 90 receives a connector formed on the end of resistor 58, as represented at |00. The resistor 58 is shown molded into a casing through which the support |05 connected with one end of the resistor extends to mount spring member 08. The opposite end of the resistor has support |06 connected thereto. The support |06 and spring member 93 serve as carriers for contacts 51 which are normally closed but are capable of separation upon operation of pull cord 31. A removable cover |01 is provided for housing the contacts and the associated mechanism and serving as a protection against dirt and grease.

Where electromagnetic devices are employed,

I may provide a connection for pull cable 31 directly to the operating arm |0| of a toggle switch |02 as illustrated in Fig. 14, which is operated by movement of arm |03 of the heater control rheostat |04. When the rheostat is in ol position, the position of toggle arm 10| is such that pull cord 31 is released to shunt all of the contacts across the oscillation Suppressors. When, however, the toggle arm |0| is moved to on position. pull cable 31 is moved to displace all of the contacts thereby opening the contacts and rendering the oscillation Suppressors eiective in the distribution circuit of the ignition system.

The switch contacts may be applied to existing constructions of Suppressors with slight modification. In some constructions, I may mold the contact system into the same casing with the suppressor thereby reducing the size and cost of the device.

While I have described my invention in cerh tain preferred embodiments, I desire that it be understood that modifications may be made and that I intend no limitations upon my invention other than are imposed by the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is as follows:

l. Means for guarding radio receiving apparatus against interference from motor vehicle ignition systems comprising, in combination, with an internal combustion engine ignition system including a multiplicity of spark plugs and an ignition distribution circuit, a frame structure. means for supporting said frame structure adjacent the spark plugs of the internal combustion engine, a movable actuator disposed adjacent one end of said frame structure, oscillation suppressing means in said distribution circuit and in series with certain of said spark plugs,

contact systems normally shuntng said oscillation suppressing means, an adjustable guide carried by said frame structure in substantial alignment with each of the said contact systems, and tension members passing over said adjustable guides and interconnecting the said contact systems with said movable actuator whereby said oscillation suppressing means may be effectively included in the distribution circuit for one position of said movable actuator and shunted out of said ignition distribution circuit for another position of said movable actuator.

2. Means for guarding radio receiving apparatus against interference from motor vehicle ignition systems comprising, in combination, with an internal combustion engine ignition system including a multiplicity of spark plugs and an ignition distribution circuit, a frame structure, means for supporting said frame structure adjacent the spark plugs of the internal combustion engine, a movable actuator disposed adjacent one end of said frame structure, oscillation suppressing means in said distribution circuit and in series with certain of said spark plugs, contact systems normally shunting said oscillation suppressing means, a multiplicity of adjustable carriers supported by said frame structure, a pulley member journaled on each of said adjustable carriers in substantial alignment with the oscillation suppressing means for said distribution circuit, and means interconnecting said contact systems and passing around said pulley members and connected with said movable actuator whereby said oscillation suppressing means may be effectively included in said ignition distribution circuit for one position of said actuator and may be shunted out of said ignition distribution circuit for another position of said movable actuator.

3. In a system for guarding radio receiving apparatus against the effects of ignition interference in motor vehicles, a frame structure supportable adjacent the spark plugs of a motor vehicle comprising a channel shaped member having a pair of coacting edges directed toward each other, a multiplicity of adjustable members adapted to be secured in selected positions along said channel shaped member and between said coacting edges, pulley devices carried by each of said adjustable members in substantial alignment with the spark plugs of the motor vehicle, oscillation suppressing means connected with certain of the spark plugs of the motor vehicle, electrical shunting devices disposed in parallel With said oscillation suppressing means and flexible members passing over said pulleys and connected with each of said electrical shunting devices, said flexible members being controllable for effectively opening or closing said shunting devices with respect to said oscillation suppressing means.

4. Means for guarding radio receiving apparatus against interference from motor vehicle ignition systems, comprising in combination, With an internal combustion engine ignition system including a multiplicity of spark plugs and an ignition distribution circuit, a frame structure, means for supporting said frame structure adjacent the spark plugs of the internal combustion engine, a movable actuator disposed adjacent one end of said frame structure, oscillation suppressing means in said distribution circuit and in series with certain of said spark plugs, contact systems normally shunting said oscillation suppressing means, and a tension member connected with said movable actuator and having branch portions connected with said contact systems for effecting control of said contact systems by said movable actuator.

5. Means for guarding radio receiving apparatus against interference from motor vehicle ignition systems, comprising in combination, with an internal combustion engine ignition system including a multiplicity of spark plugs and an ignition distribution circuit, a frame structure, means for supporting said frame structure adjacent the spark plugs of the internal combustion engine, a movable actuator disposed adjacent one end of said frame structure, oscillation suppressing means in said distribution circuit and in series with certain of said spark plugs, contact systems normally shunting said oscillation suppressing means, a guide carried by said frame structure in substantial alignment with each of said contact systems, and a tension member connected with said movable actuator and having branch portions adapted to pass over said guides and connected with said contact systems for effecting control of said contact systems by said movable actuator.

6. Apparatus of the type described in claim 2 and wherein certain of said pulley members are mounted on axes disposed in one plane, and another of said pulley members is mounted on an axis inclined with respect to said plane.

GEORGE P. ADAIR. 

